Chelsea have announced Sonia Bompastor as their new manager, replacing Emma Hayes.
The Women’s Super League champions have poached Champions League finalists Lyon for their head coach, snatching her away from France with one year left on her contract.
Hayes departed at the end of the season to take charge of the United States Women’s National team, closing the book on her incredibly successful spell in West London.
Bompastor took charge of Lyon in 2021 and took them to European glory a year later alongside winning three consecutive league titles.
Her side lost this season’s Champions League final to Barcelona, marking her final match in charge.
Assistants Camille Abily and Theo Rivrin are expected to join Bompastor at Chelsea.
Chelsea is delighted to confirm Sonia Bompastor will become Head Coach of the women’s team from the start of 2024/25.
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) May 29, 2024
Speaking on her new chapter, Bompastor said: “I am incredibly grateful to join Chelsea Football Club as the head coach of the women’s team.
“It is an institution in English football. I will give my all to this new project to meet the ambitions of the club, the staff and the players.
“I hope to live up to Emma’s legacy and continue the work that has been done in recent years. Let the adventure begin.”
Bompastor had a successful career as a player. She was capped 156 times by France and will bring a wealth of experience sot the Blues.
General manager Paul Green said: “The sporting directors and I conducted a thorough and considered recruitment process to identify Emma’s successor.
“Sonia’s vision, coaching philosophy and winning mentality made her the outstanding candidate.
“She is a world-class coach with a proven track record of success on the biggest stages that will instantly command respect from the dressing room.”
